Can I Get a Tummy Tuck if Prone to Blood Clots?

If you have previously had a pulmonary embolism, you are at greater risk of having one  with any surgical procedure.  There are ways, however, to reduce your risk.  Most surgeons will use sequential compression stockings during the surgery as well,as early ambulatory.  the tummy tuck procedure is the one that places you at greater risk.  Also ,blood clots are directly related to the length of time of your procedure.  It is worth considering  not combining the procedures to reduce the risk.  I agree with the other surgeons on the hematology consult prior to your surgery.

Thank you for your question.  Yes, you can still get a tummy tuck but you will likely be higher risk than the average person and special precautions will need to be taken.  A referral to a specialist (hematologist) can be done by your regular doctor to make sure that you don't have an underlying medical condition the causes you to clot.  Discuss this with your plastic surgeon and follow all recommendations.  I hope this helps.

A consultation with a haematologist should be obtained.  You will most likely be put on a blood thinner prior to your surgery.  Risks to consider are: there is still a risk of a blood clot even if precautions are taken, and you may have an increased risk of bleeding during and after surgery.  If after your discussion with your hematologist and your plastic surgeons you feel that these risks are acceptable than you can make the decision to proceed.

(remember there is always a risk of a clot or bleeding and the question is what is your particular risk if all precautions are taken)

 

Sincerely,

Martin Jugenburg, MD, FRCSC

Tummy tuck patients are having a significant surgery.  If they have a history of blood clot/clots (pulmonary embolism is what you had, it sounds like) AND a family history of blood clots they should DEFINITELY sit down with their hematologist to discuss risks and perioperative management. The plastic surgeon needs to be in the middle of the whole discussion.  Best of luck to you.

It is most important to find out why you had the blood clots. You should see a hematologist for a complete work up. They will take a good history and get some blood work to investigate. Some patients have some genetic abnormalities that might put you at much higher risk. Other conditions may exist that just make you a little more at risk and surgery could be done provided certain measures are taken to reduce the risk (sometimes this means taking certain medicines). It might turn out that it was just circumstances like taking oral birth control pills, being dehydrated and stuck riding in a car or airplane for several hours.